Severe toothache can make eating, sleeping and concentrating feel almost impossible. Some tooth pain begins as sensitivity, but pain that is intense, persistent or getting worse may point to decay, a damaged tooth, a problem with an existing filling or an infection, and it deserves a dental assessment. If you have severe toothache in Bromley, knowing the possible causes and what to do next can help you decide how quickly to seek care. Bromley Smiles Dental can talk through your symptoms over the phone and let you know about emergency appointment availability before you travel.
Quick answer: For severe toothache, contact a dentist promptly if the pain is persistent, worsening or keeping you awake. Meanwhile, rinse gently with warm water, avoid chewing on the affected side and follow the label on any suitable pain relief. Only an examination can confirm the cause.
What Should You Do If You Have Severe Toothache?
The steps below can help you cope until you are seen. They are temporary measures and will not treat the underlying cause.
- Contact a dentist promptly if the pain is severe, persistent or getting worse.
- Rinse gently with warm water to clear away any food debris.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side, and avoid foods or drinks that set off the pain, such as very hot, very cold or sugary items.
- Use over-the-counter pain relief only as the packaging directs. If you are unsure what is suitable for you, for example because of other medication, pregnancy or a health condition, ask a pharmacist.
- Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum. It can burn the soft tissue and does not treat the problem.
Home measures can take the edge off discomfort, but they cannot fix decay, a crack or an infection. If the pain eases for a while, the cause may still be there.
Seek emergency medical help: If you have swelling that is spreading quickly, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, call 999 or go to A&E. Do not wait for a dental appointment.
Experiencing severe toothache in Bromley?
Call Bromley Smiles Dental on 0203 376 3734 to explain your symptoms and check emergency appointment availability.
Book your appointment online
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Appointments subject to availability.
What Causes Severe Toothache?
Several different problems can cause strong tooth pain, and they can feel similar. That is why an examination matters: the cause decides the treatment.
Tooth decay and cavities
Decay starts in the hard outer layer of the tooth. As it progresses, it can reach the softer inner layers, which makes the tooth sensitive to sweet foods and temperature changes and can lead to ongoing pain. A dentist may be able to remove the decayed area and restore a suitable tooth with a white filling. If decay has gone deeper, other treatment may be needed.
Dental infection or abscess
An infection in or around a tooth can cause persistent or throbbing pain, tenderness when you bite and sometimes swelling of the gum or face. You cannot reliably tell whether you have an abscess from symptoms alone, so it needs to be assessed. You can read more in our guide to dental abscess symptoms and treatment.
Cracked or broken tooth
A crack can expose the sensitive inner parts of a tooth, or move slightly when you chew. This often shows up as sharp pain on biting, or pain when you release the bite. Some cracks are hard to see, even in a mirror. Our guide to what to do with a broken tooth explains more.
Damaged fillings or crowns
A filling or crown that has cracked, worn down or loosened can let bacteria and food reach the tooth underneath. This may cause sensitivity or pain. Depending on the tooth, a dentist may consider replacing a white filling or restoring the tooth with a crown or bridge.
Gum problems or wisdom teeth
Inflamed gums and wisdom teeth that are erupting or partly covered by gum can also cause pain that feels like toothache. The pain may be felt towards the back of the mouth or along the jaw. An examination is needed to establish the cause.
When Is Toothache a Dental Emergency?
Not every toothache is an emergency, but some situations call for prompt dental care. Contact a dentist as soon as you can if you have:
- Severe or persistent pain
- Pain that is getting worse or stopping you sleeping
- Tooth pain with swelling or fever
- Pain after a knock or injury to the mouth
- Increasing pain after an extraction or other dental procedure
Some symptoms need medical attention rather than a dental appointment.
Seek emergency medical help: Call 999 or go to A&E if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling that is spreading rapidly across your face or neck, bleeding you cannot control, or a serious injury to the head or face.
If you need urgent advice when the practice is closed, NHS 111 online can help you decide what to do next.
Why Does Toothache Get Worse at Night?
Many people find that tooth pain feels stronger in the evening. There are a few reasons this can happen. With fewer distractions, you notice discomfort more. Lying down can also change how you feel pain in the head and face. Some causes, such as inflammation inside the tooth, can produce persistent or worsening pain whatever the time of day.
A few practical steps may help you through the night:
- Avoid hot, cold or sugary drinks close to bedtime.
- Follow the label on any suitable pain relief, and ask a pharmacist if unsure.
- Try resting with your head slightly raised on an extra pillow.
Night-time pain does not automatically mean you need a root canal. It does mean the tooth should be looked at, rather than repeatedly masking the pain.
How Is Severe Toothache Treated?
Treatment depends on what the examination shows. Your dentist may recommend an X-ray to see what is happening below the surface, then explain your options.
| Possible cause | Treatment a dentist may consider |
| Tooth decay | Filling or another restoration |
| Infection inside a tooth | Root canal treatment or another appropriate option |
| Dental abscess | Treatment of the source of infection, with drainage where indicated |
| Cracked or damaged tooth | Filling, crown or other suitable treatment |
| Tooth that cannot be restored | Extraction where clinically indicated |
The right option depends on your tooth, your symptoms and your preferences. Your dentist will talk it through with you before any treatment begins.
How Much Does Emergency Toothache Treatment Cost in Bromley?
An emergency appointment at Bromley Smiles Dental starts from £85. This is a starting price for the appointment itself, not the total cost of treating your tooth. Further investigations or treatment are charged separately and may cost more.
Some examples of separate starting prices, taken from the practice fee guide:
- Intra oral X-ray: £19 to £22
- White filling (one to three surfaces): from £185 to £295
- Abscess treatment: from £125
- Root canal treatment: from £495
- Tooth extraction: from £200
The cost of your care depends on the cause, so your dentist can give you a clearer figure after the examination. You can see the full list in the fee guide. If you need larger treatment, 0% APR finance is available through Tabeo, and the team can explain the details.
Need to talk through your symptoms?
Call Bromley Smiles Dental on 0203 376 3734 or book your appointment online.
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Appointments subject to availability.
How to Arrange a Toothache Appointment in Bromley
If you need an emergency dentist in Bromley, a quick phone call is the best place to start.
- Call 0203 376 3734 during opening hours.
- Explain when the pain started and how severe it is.
- Mention any swelling, fever, broken tooth or recent dental treatment.
- Ask about appointment availability before you travel.
- Use the online appointment portal if that suits you better.
Bromley Smiles Dental is on the 1st floor, 146 High Street, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1EZ. Whether you are in central Bromley, Bickley or Chislehurst, it is worth calling first so the team can confirm what is available.
Book your toothache appointment
Call Bromley Smiles Dental on 0203 376 3734
Book your appointment online
1st floor, 146 High Street, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1EZ
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Closed Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays. Appointments subject to availability.
Conclusion
Severe toothache is your body’s way of telling you something needs attention. Decay, a damaged tooth, a worn filling, an infection or gum and wisdom tooth problems can all be behind it, and only an examination can confirm which. In the meantime, keep home care simple and safe, and know when to seek emergency medical help. If you are in Bromley, Petts Wood or the surrounding area and need advice, Bromley Smiles Dental is happy to talk through your symptoms and check availability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toothache
See a dentist promptly if the pain is severe, persistent, getting worse or stopping you sleep. Contact them sooner if you also have swelling, fever or pain after an injury or dental treatment. Call 999 or go to A&E if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or rapidly spreading swelling.
Pain may ease for a while, but that does not always mean the cause has gone. Decay, cracks and infection do not heal by themselves, and pain can return or worsen. If toothache keeps coming back or lasts more than a day or two, it is sensible to have the tooth checked.
Pain on biting can be linked to a cracked tooth, a worn or damaged filling, decay, gum inflammation or infection around the root. Several of these feel similar, so you cannot tell the cause from the pain alone. A dental examination can identify what is happening and suggest suitable treatment.
Availability varies from day to day, so no practice can promise a same-day appointment in advance. Call Bromley Smiles Dental on 0203 376 3734 during opening hours, describe your symptoms and ask what is available. Whether treatment can be completed at the first visit depends on the cause.
An emergency appointment at Bromley Smiles Dental starts from £85. This is separate from any treatment, such as a filling, root canal treatment or extraction, which is priced separately and may cost more. The fee guide lists starting prices, and your dentist can explain costs after your examination.
